Potential recruits got a taste of the football experience last week at William E. Hay Composite High School with an evening of fun and development.
The event, held Tuesday, Jan. 27, was open both to current football players on the Wildcats, Cougars and Panthers, as well as any students interested in joining the teams for the 2015 season.
Wildcats offensive coach Guy Neitz said the evening was intended as a way of drawing the three programs together, introducing the older players to the younger ones and showing new recruits what the football experience can be like.
The foundation that younger players receive is essential for their success later on, he said, explaining, “They’ve had that experience, they’re prepared to compete and be successful.”
About 50 students attended the event, which began with skills activities, led by the senior players and each geared at different groups.
For instance, drills for receivers, defensive backs and running backs were held in the middle school gym, while activities for quarterbacks were offered in the football field house.
After a quick meal, the players moved to the Performing Arts Centre to watch the 2014 film When the Game Stands Tall, telling the story of the 151-game winning streak enjoyed by De La Salle High School of Concord, Calif., between 1992 and 2003.
Neitz told the audience that the film was selected because it “sets an example of what the team atmosphere can and should be like.”
This year, former Panthers head coach and Grade 5 teacher Rob Howell is taking on the role of minor football club president.
He emphasized the value of the life lessons that football can teach, from developing character, confidence, discipline and a strong work ethic, to working as a team, making commitments, working with humility and keeping a positive attitude in the face of setbacks.
“It builds those skills that will help them the rest of their life,” added Neitz. “This really is about developing kids and preparing them for life.”
Registration night for the Peewee Panthers and the Bantam Cougars is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. in the music room of Stettler Elementary School.
The Peewee team is open to players born in 2003 and 2004, while the Bantam team is open to players born between 2000 and 2002, excluding Grade 10 students.
Spring camp is held in May and June, while the season runs from mid-August to late October. A fee of $190 is charged for the season, which includes equipment rental, transportation and insurance.
Neitz said there is no limit on the number of players accepted for the minor football teams, adding, “We have a lot of room for everybody.”
For more information, contact Panthers coach Barry Shirley at 403-740-2945 or Cougars coach Ernie Shirreff at 403-741-5146.